Broadband and Mobile Internet

Their are currently 4 leading providers in the broadband market: PLDT, Globe, SKY and Converge. Globe and PLDT offer plans for each different type of internet connection while SKY and Converge only offer line broadband. All providers offer plans with unlimited internet but also limited data plans. They each have a range of different products with different speeds and extras.

Fiber, DSL: These are both line broadband. That means that you are connected to the internet via a cable which can be either fiber-optic (= Fiber) or copper (= DSL). These cables must be installed in your area and your building/apartment must be connected for you to be able to take advantage of it. The advantage of Fiber and DSL is the stability of their connection and download speeds. The disadvantage as of now is their availability. Both offer stable, fast connections though fiber can reach higher speeds.

LTE broadband: This lets you go online via mobile networks, the same way you do with your cell phone. This is why accessibility is a advantage of LTE broadband as mobile networks are much more widespread and easier to expand than lines. The LTE routers are optimized for indoor use so you will have better reception and download speeds compared to your cellphone. However, the disadvantage of LTE broadband lies in its vulnerability to outside interference. Weather can affect the entire network and cause limited speeds. Furthermore, current mobile networks are not strong enough to deal with the entire demand and can lead to limited connection speeds.

In order to get online with a line internet plan (Fiber/DSL), you will need access to:

A landline with the provider. You might be required to sign up if you do not have one;

A router (this is usually included);

A microfilter for each phone socket (also usually included);

An internet-capable device, such as a computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

Your computer or other device should have:

Wireless internet access OR an ethernet port (always included current models);

An internet browser (always pre-installed)

To get online with LTE broadband, the requirements are not as strict. As you do not rely on line connections, you must only be in an area where mobile data (optimally LTE) is available. For your devices, the same requirements apply as with line broadband.

Broadband plans across all providers are built around 4 central elements, whether its PLDT, Globe, Sky or Converge. These core components - download speeds, volumes, lock-in periods and of course the price - can be used to compare the plans.

Download speeds currently range from 3Mbps to 1000Mbps;

The consumable data can still be limited, though plans with unlimited internet are the most common;

Lock-in periods are usually between 24 - 36 months. Just recently broadband providers have reacted to a strong demand to have more flexibility. As a consequence, short-term contracts with run-times of as little as 1 month are now available!

Broadband providers will make trade-offs between these elements and the price you must pay. High speeds with large or unlimited data volumes and short lock-in periods will be the most expensive. However, if you are willing to accept lower speeds, volumes or both, you will pay less.

So, knowing what you need can help save you a lot of money! Whether a you need an unlimited internet plan will depend on how long you access the internet every day/week/month and what you do online. We recommend to visit our guides. They can help you understand more and find out which plans to focus on. For example, if you are out of house for a long time every day and your online activities do not involve video streaming, chances are high that you do not need unlimited data!

The broadband market in the Philippines is still growing. As of now not all areas are covered, but the telcos continue to roll out more lines and make these line-based internet accesses more available. Finding out whether you have access to Fiber or DSL internet can be quite difficult at the moment. In most cases you have to apply to the provider you wish to sign up with and they will check in their data base. However, Globe for example is introducing an online feature which will tell you based on your location whether a certain plan is available. This will soon be available by most providers. With that comparing broadband plans will become much easier and help you save money!